Ahadith (Sayings of The Holy Prophet - Peace Be Upon Him) on Death

Death is not a pleasant subject to talk about but it is a reality that we must all face at some point in our lives. Islam places a tremendous emphasis on preparing for death and for life after death. Here are some traditions on The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) regarding death.

Mustawrid ibne-Shaddad Radiyallahu anhu narrates that The Prophet (S.A.W) said "By Allah! This world compared to the Hereafter is like one of you dipping his finger in the ocean and then observing the quantity of water on it."

Shaddad Ibne Aws Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi (S.A.W) said "He is wise and shrewd who takes account of himself and prepares for what is after death. And he is weak and incapable who follows his desires and yet pins high hopes on Allah's mercy." - Tirmidhi

Abdullah ibne Umar (R.A) says that he came he came to The Prophet (S.A.W), the tenth of ten Sahabaah (companions of The Prophet S.A.W). A man from amongst the Ansaar (People of Medina) stood up and said "O Nabi of Allah! Who is the wisest and the most resolute amongst people? He replied "He who remembers death the most, and prepares most diligentky for death before it overtakes him. Undoubtedly, these are the wisest. They have acquired the nobility of this world and the dignity of the Hereafter." (Ibne-Majah, Tabrani, Majma-'uz Zawaid)

Muhamed ibne-Labid Radiyallahu anhu narrates that indeed Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: There are two things that the son of Adam dislikes: Death, although death is better (for a believer) than trials (which endanger his faith); and scarcity of worldly belongings. And this scarcity of belongings results in less reckoning on the Day of Judgement. (Musnad Ahmed)

Abu Salamah R.A narrates: I heard Rasulullah (S.A.W) saying "He who meets Allah testifying that none is worthy of worship beside Allah and that Muhammad (S.A.W) is the messenger of Allah, and believes in ressurection and in reckoning, enters Paradise." (Al-Bidaya wan Nihayah)

Hani (R.A), the freed slave of Uthma (R.A) narrates that when Uthman stood by a grave he would weep until his tears wet his beard. So he was asked "When Paradis and Hell are mentioned, you do not weep, but why do you weep at the sight of the grave?" Uthmaan (R.A) replied "Indeed, Rasulullah (S.A.W) said "Verily, the grave is the first stage among the stages of the Hereafter, if one is saved from the punishment of it, then what is to follow will be easier. And if one does not find safety from it, then what is to follow shall be more severe than it. And Rasulullah (S.A.W) said 'I have not seen a sight more horrifying than (the punishment of) the grave.'" (Tirmidhi)

I hope that these few sayings of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) have provided some food for thought and inspired you to make some changes in your life so that you are prepared when death comes.